The role of cholecalciferol deficiency in the development of dermatoses in geriatric patients

Background. Dermatological pathology, which includes a wide range of nosologies, is a common problem in geriatric patients. Currently, more and more attention is being paid to the importance of cholecalciferol deficiency in the pathogenesis of dermatoses, especially among the elderly. Vitamin D₃ is known for its ability to modulate immune responses and perform many functions at the cellular level, including influencing the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. Given the inevitable age-related changes in vitamin D₃ metabolism and the increasing prevalence of dermatoses among geriatric patients, the present study aims to analyze the role of cholecalciferol deficiency on the course of dermatoses in this category of people.

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of cholecalciferol deficiency in the development of dermatological pathology and effectiveness its order in complex therapy in geriatric patients.

Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study of 100 geriatric patients aged 67 to 95 years with verified skin diseases (chronic eczema, allergic dermatitis, microbial eczema, intertriginal dermatitis) was conducted. A Visually analog pruritus scale and the EASI index (Eczema Area and Severity Index) were used to assess the condition of patients at the entrance to the study. At the initiation stage of therapy, all patients underwent an analysis of serum cholecalciferol levels, according to which a vitamin-containing drug was prescribed. The assessment of the clinical effect and effectiveness of treatment was analyzed by the dynamics of the severity of clinical and subjective symptoms of Visually analog pruritus scale and EASI dermatoses after 2, 4, 12 weeks of therapy.

Results. In the course of the study, it was found that: 100% of geriatric patients with dermatoses had a pronounced deficiency of serum vitamin D₃ levels; evaluation of therapy for various dermatoses has demonstrated an improvement in clinical conditions in patients receiving vitamin D₃ in addition to the main treatment

Conclusion. The results of the study allowed us to establish: vitamin D₃ deficiency is a common problem in geriatric patients with dermatoses, which can worsen the manifestation of diseases; recommendations to normalize vitamin D₃ levels may be critical to maintaining dermatological health and overall well-being in geriatric patients.